Hard to Say Goodbye | Suite101.com

For two years, I have delighted in sharing my criticism of the genre I love so. There is nothing like a soap and ever since I was a two-year-old in a hospital bed, soaps have enthralled me. Watching As the World Turns' John Dixon wreak havoc on Memorial hospital is like a eating home cooked meal. Although daytime has deteriorated over time, my love of soaps has not. Soaps can so easily be the best entertainment the world has to offer, absolutely sublime. When I think of some of the perfect moments I've witnessed over the years, it puts me on cloud nine. I am insanely passionate about soaps, it is practically an obsession with me and that will probably never change. Very few hours in the day go by where something in my life doesn't relate back to soaps. Whether I see a former soap actor on a television show or I see a SOD while shopping, it is a part of my everyday life and even if I could change it, I don't want to. No genre generates more passion than serial drama and I hope it never dies or the very foundation of entertainment will go down with it. So my announcement has absolutely nothing to do with how much I love daytime. In fact it is that love that makes this decision one the hardest I've ever had to make ... this will be my last column.

First and foremost, I want to make it absolutely 100% clear that this decision has nothing to do with my feelings about daytime television. Because I've been so critical of the genre, I know many would assume that by leaving the column it is a final criticism of daytime and let me assure you that is not the case. Soaps may be in grave danger, but I love them so much that I want to see them survive and thrive again. That is exactly why I go on and on about the things that are wrong. All of these things can be fixed and the genre will live on in good shape if the right changes are made. True, it is hard for me to watch the genre die a slow death. Selfishly, if the genre is going to come to an end, I want it to be quick so it will be less painful for me. But I'm not really ready to give up on soaps yet. I think that is why soaps have lasted this last decade, because they were so great, a cornerstone of entertainment, letting go is too hard, the roots are too deep for viewers. Producers should absolutely seize that opportunity while there is still a chance. There is still time to give soap fans proof they have not suffered in vain and soaps will get healthier in their lifetime. So every week, I've voiced my strong opinions, hoping somehow at the very least, fellow fans would hear my thoughts. I've tried to be an advocate soaps and what they can be again. I want the audience to feel empowered, realize they have a voice and a right to demand quality and not sit around and accept soaps circling the drain. I keep hoping if enough fans make noise and make clear the quality of their favorite soap and the respect for the viewers should be sky high, that things will improve. If I could, I would spend the rest of my life dedicated to that cause even if it ends up being futile because I could not live with myself if I didn't try. So I guess this leads us to the obvious question, why am I quitting?

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